Horticultural Training Scheme

Every year, up to four new entrants to horticulture are awarded a place on our Horticultural Training Scheme, which pays a salary and provides accommodation within the estate if it is needed.

Trainees are in post from mid September for twelve months and take a hands-on role under the supervision of experienced gardeners principally at our flagship gardens at Douneside House and also at Alastrean House. Training is sometimes extended to a second year for particularly good trainees who would benefit.

A wide range of operations take place across the three sites including lawn maintenance, ornamental tree pruning, hard and soft landscaping, and fruit and vegetable cultivation.

The MacRobert Trust gardens have been accredited by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) as a ‘Qualifications Approved Learning Centre’. Practical training and assessment to RHS Level 1 and 2 can now be provided in-house.

Trainees are encouraged to work towards these formal RHS qualifications wherever possible. For those who are already qualified, the scheme provides practical experience in all the areas you need for a career in horticulture.

On successful completion, trainees are presented with The MacRobert Trust Trainee Gardener Certificate and given support in finding further employment or training within the horticultural industry.

If you would like to apply for a place on the Horticultural Training Scheme, please read the guidelines carefully before filling in the application form. Applications for a placement on the September 2017 Horticultural Training Scheme are now invited and the closing date is 5th May 2017.